A37

English Opening: Symmetrical Variation, Botvinnik System Reversed, with Nf3

Key moves: 1.c4

The English Opening is a flexible first move that can transpose into many different opening systems. It controls the d5 square and often leads to positions where White fianchettoes on the kingside. It can lead to both positional manoeuvring and sharp tactical play.

History & Notable Players

Named after Howard Staunton who played it in the 1843 match against Saint-Amant. It became a major weapon in the 1970s through the games of Mikhail Botvinnik and has been used by virtually every World Champion since.

Best Games

Abdusattorov,Nodirbek vs Firouzja,Alireza1-0
12th Sinquefield Cup • 2025★ Notable
So,W vs Abdusattorov,Nodirbek0-1
Tata Steel India Blitz • 2024★ Notable
Keymer,Vincent vs Navara,D1-0
56th Biel GM Rapid 2023 • 2023★ Notable
So,W vs Anand,V1/2-1/2
10th Norway Chess 2022 • 2022★ Notable
So,W vs Svidler,P1-0
8th Sinquefield Cup 2021 • 2021★ Notable
Wang Hao vs Giri,A1/2-1/2
FIDE Candidates 2020 • 2020★ Notable
Svidler,P vs Gelfand,B1/2-1/2
Geneva Grand Prix 2017 • 2017★ Notable
Giri,A vs So,W1/2-1/2
5th Norway Chess 2017 • 2017★ Notable
Gelfand,B vs Anand,V0-1
Zurich Korchnoi CC 2017 • 2017★ Notable
Aronian,L vs Topalov,V0-1
8th London Classic 2016 • 2016★ Notable
Adams,Mi vs Caruana,F1/2-1/2
8th London Classic 2016 • 2016★ Notable
Nakamura,Hi vs Grischuk,A1/2-1/2
3rd Norway Chess 2015 • 2015★ Notable
Nakamura,Hi vs Dominguez Perez,L1/2-1/2
Baku FIDE Grand Prix 2014 • 2014★ Notable
Kramnik,V vs Carlsen,M1/2-1/2
4th London Chess Classic • 2012★ Notable
Giri,A vs Gelfand,B1/2-1/2
40th Olympiad Open • 2012★ Notable
Kramnik,V vs Nepomniachtchi,I0-1
6th Tal Memorial • 2011★ Notable
Gelfand,B vs Grischuk,A1/2-1/2
WCh Candidates • 2011★ Notable
Gelfand,B vs Grischuk,A1/2-1/2
WCh Candidates • 2011★ Notable
Aronian,L vs Grischuk,A0-1
WCh Candidates • 2011★ Notable
Kamsky,G vs Grischuk,A0-1
39th Olympiad Men • 2010★ Notable

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